The Greek language, a vehicle of culture, history, and thought spanning millennia, is honored every year on 9 February, World Greek Language Day. With nearly 50 years of uninterrupted presence, the School of Modern Greek (SMG) of Aristotle University stands as an international point of reference for teaching Greek as a second/foreign language.

Each year, it welcomes adult international learners and members of the Greek diaspora, students, researchers, and educators from around the world, offering more than 20 innovative study programs, delivered both in person and online, at proficiency levels A1–C2. These programs combine language training with experiential engagement with Greek culture.

The SMG honors the Greek language through its educational work by adopting modern teaching approaches that enhance effective learning and contribute substantially to the worldwide dissemination of the Greek language. Since its establishment, more than 40,000 students have studied at the SMG.

Since 2015, the School has successfully implemented an online program for teaching Modern Greek, addressed to international learners and members of the Greek diaspora both abroad and within Greece. To date, more than 800 learners from around the world have attended the online courses, while the Greek language programs for Erasmus+ and Epicur students in Thessaloniki have attracted more than 1,300 students. At the core of the School’s educational philosophy lies the active participation of the learner: the School teaches the language through communicative methods, collaboration, the use of digital technology, and its connection to contemporary social and cultural contexts.

The SMG’s online program stands out for its innovative character, as it combines synchronous and asynchronous learning, multimedia digital material, and modern digital tools, thereby enhancing interaction. The School continuously updates these methods to respond to the needs of contemporary learning and educational environments.

On the occasion of this year’s World Greek Language Day, the SMG also makes use of social media by presenting a short video featuring students who use various Greek words that other languages have borrowed. Through these digital narratives, the Greek language emerges as a living experience of communication and cultural exchange.

The quality and innovation of the SMG’s work have also received recognition at the European level. The School received the European Language Label 2021–2022 for the program “Youth Without Borders / World in Order,” the European Language Label in 2016 for the “Online Program for Greek as a Foreign/Second Language A1 & A2,” as well as a Commendation for the program “Greek Language, Society, and Culture,” confirming its good teaching practices and its significant contribution to promoting Greek language proficiency.

The Greek language is not a monument of the past; it belongs to the present and the future of those who learn it, teach it, and use it. Within this framework, the School of Modern Greek of Aristotle University continues to serve this future with knowledge, openness, and creativity.

On 9 February, we celebrate the Greek language. We speak it, we learn it, and we share it.”

More Information: https://smg.web.auth.gr/el/